Top 10 Art Deco Hotels in Miami Beach

By Kara Franker

Did you know that the largest collection of art deco architecture in the world sits on the shimmering shores of South Beach?

Built in the 1930s and ‘40s, these glamorous structures typically feature white façades and sleek designs. On Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue you’ll discover some of the most iconic and most-photographed art deco boutique hotels in Miami, including the ones you’ve seen in movies like "Scarface" and "Bad Boys."

Here are 10 fabulous Miami art deco hotels:

1. Raleigh Hotel

A South Beach icon since 1941, The Raleigh is known as the “grand dame” of art deco style. In 1947, Life Magazine named the hotel’s curvy pool “the most beautiful pool in America.” The famous oceanside pool was the backdrop for movie star-swimmer Esther Williams' flicks in the 1940s and ‘50s and later the scene for MTV’s The Grind dance show. It's located at 1775 Collins Ave.

- Photo courtesy of the Raleigh Hotel.

2. Delano:

One of Miami Beach’s hottest places to see and be seen is the Delano. It was Miami Beach’s tallest building when it was built in 1947. Designer Philippe Starck led the renovations in 1994. Then, in 2007, the American Institute of Architects ranked the hotel on its list of "America's Favorite Architecture.” It's located at 1685 Collins Ave.

Photo courtesy of the Delano.

3. Clevelander:

Located in the center of the Art Deco District on Ocean Drive, the Clevelander is famous for its outdoor, poolside bar scene. Built in 1938, the property recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation. It's located at 1020 Ocean Dr.

Photo courtesy of the Clevelander Hotel.

4. National Hotel:

Not only does the National Hotel evoke that Miami art deco hotel style, inside the lobby you’ll find reproductions of the original furniture from the 1940s. It's located at 1677 Collins Ave.

Photo courtesy of the National Hotel.

5. Beacon

Constructed in 1936, the Beacon Hotel features 75 boutique hotel rooms on the 700 block of Ocean Drive.

Photo courtesy of the Beacon Hotel.

6. Park Central Hotel:

Built in 1937, the Park Central Hotel was a Hollywood hangout for stars such as Clark Gable, Carole Lombard and Rita Hayworth. It was also one of the first art deco hotels in Miami Beach to be renovated in the 80s. It's located at 640 Ocean Dr.

Photo courtesy of the Park Central Hotel.

7. Colony Hotel:

The Colony Hotel is famous for its shimmering blue neon sign that lights up Ocean Drive. This art deco treasure was built in 1935 and is one of the most photographed art deco hotels on South Beach. It's at 736 Ocean Dr.

Photo courtesy of the Colony Hotel.

8. The Tides:

Designed in 1936 by L. Murray Dixon, The Tides is a 12-story tower with porthole windows near the entrance. You can find it at 1220 Ocean Dr.

Photo courtesy of The Tides.

9. The Carlyle:

One of the most sought-after settings for Hollywood, The Carlyle has been featured in movies such as "Bad Boys 2," "The Birdcage" and "Scarface." This art deco hotel in Miami Beach was built in 1939 and the façade remains virtually unchanged from the original. Go to 1250 Ocean Dr.

Photo courtesy of The Carlyle.

10. Cardozo Hotel:

Built in 1939, the Cardozo Hotel is owned by pop music icon Gloria Estefan and her producer-husband Emilio Estefan. It's located at 1300 Ocean Dr.